There was simply no time to react. The wind inflated our umbrella like a randy gust blowing up a lady’s skirt. The table pitched, launching our meals and I felt uncomfortably like Wile E. Coyote when he realizes the Road Runner’s releasing the anvil…again. Continue reading
My friend Steve refers to his flea market finds as “antiques of a dubious nature.” I’m sure his wife calls them something else. A few weeks ago I purchased this rusted metal frame during my Colgate University reunion weekend, intending to turn it into a wonderful memento. When I brought it to the folks at Architectural Metal and Glass and tried to explain my vision, their reaction was, at best, dubious. I picked it up today and I think they were actually sorry to see it go. Perhaps it is possible to turn an ugly duckling into a swan? Now if I can only figure out a way to hang this in the garden to reflect the hydrangeas while they last. Nestling it in the shrub is not a practical solution.
Rick Steves delivered this year’s commencement address at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, exhorting the graduates to “GET OUT!”
He touched on familiar themes, encouraging the students to define their own success and to challenge the powers that be. Steves stated his belief that society uses our innate fear to mute our compassion for others, transforming us into mindless consumers/producers. One way to combat this tendency is to “live your life as a traveler.” “Fear,” Steves said, “is for people who don’t get out much.” Continue reading
“Travel Innovator Hipmunk Raises $15M” This headline from last week’s financial news caught my eye. Who is this Hipmunk and what kind of travel innovation does he (she?) provide?
Wouldn’t this be absolutely fabulous on the Hudson?
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It’s an outdoor arena on the island of Usedom, one of Germany’s Baltic islands. Vacationers can enjoy all of the Euro 2012 action while lounging by the beach on navy and white striped sling chairs. I couldn’t find confirmation but I have to believe there’s wonderful food and drink involved too!
Can we build this in time for the Olympics? Please?
“View of the Hudson River at Haverstraw Bay”
-Robert Havell Jr. (1793-1878)
It rained throughout May. And much of June. If this weather’s got you singing the blues, I’m suggesting a simple cure: food and fresh air as soon as there’s a break in the grey skies. Throw a blanket in the car and head to the Italian Food Center in West Haverstraw, about 30 miles north of NYC. Once you’ve packed your picnic, spend the afternoon at the spectacular, riverfront Haverstraw Bay Park.
The Open Suitcase had 14 views this morning, 12 from the Czech Republic. Hmmm. Then I realized they were probably searching for Wroclaw (one of the sites for Euro 2012) and wound up on the Polish pottery post. It is always surprising and surprisingly comforting to realize how small and intimate our planet has become.
